Vehicle suspension assembly



D. L. RICHTER 2,943,864

VEHICLE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY July 5, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 13, 1956 y 1960 D. RICHTER 2,943,864

VEHICLE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY Filed Aug. 13, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENT OR ATTORNEY DONALD L. RICHTER y 1960 D. L. RICHTE R 2,943,864

VEHICLE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY Filed Aug. 13, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR DONALD L. RICHTER ATTORNEY United States Patent C) 2,943,864 Y VEHICLE SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY Donald L; Richter, Oakland, Calif., assignor to Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation, Oakland, Calif., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 13, 1956, Ser. No. 603,728 14 Claims. (Cl. 280-104.5

This invention relates to suspension systems for vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to a suspension system of the pneumatic type, wherein the vehicle body or chassis is supported on so-called springs comprised of inflatable bellows. Further, the invention deals with such an air spring unit as may be advantageously used in tandem wheel assemblies.

Recent developments in the automotive industry have Tandem units are used extensively in conjunction with the usual semi-trailer rigs which haul a considerable amount of the nations freight and produce over the highways. The use of tandem wheel arrangements is extensive since it is quite obvious that the loads imposed on each wheel are limited by strength; the total capacity depends upon the number of wheels used. In short, the more wheels used, the greater the total capacity,

In view of the fact that most states impose gross' load limits as well as load per wheel limitations on heavily loaded vehicles, two results are self-evident. Any increase in the number of wheels increases the ultimate payload which may be legally carried by a given vehicle. Thus, tandem units are considered with favor by the trucking industry because such units provide a greater number of wheels to which the load may be distributed.

On the other hand, such'tandem units as have been used before traditionally have many undesirable characteristics. For example, during braking of the vehicle there is a tendency for therear wheels of the unit to hop or chatter due to the torque reactions generated in the unit. Most of these units are fixedand cannotbe adjusted to provide for unequal loading ofthe vehicle. These tandem units are generallyso heavily'or over constructed that their increase "in weight partially ofisets the object of the invention is to produce a lightweight tandem wheel suspension unit.

Another object of the invention is to produce a suspension system which may incorporate features permitting the maximum use of light metal components, such as aluminum components and the like.

A further object of the invention is to produce a tandem wheel suspension unit incorporating all of the principal advantages of an air spring unit while eliminating a great many of the disadvantages usually ascribed thereto.

Still another object of the invention is to produce a suspension unit which substantially eliminates undesired wheel hop during braking of the Wheels of the unit.

Another object of the invention is to produce a tandem suspension assembly wherein unequal loading of a vehicle may be readily and automatically compensated for without resorting to redistribution of the load in the vehicle to which the assembly is attached.

A further object of the invention is to produce a suspension system wherein the vehicle road to floor clearance may be adjusted in accordance with the loads being carried.

Still a further object of the invention is to produce a tandem suspension assembly provided with meanswhich will stabilize a vehicle against the'ill efiects of side loads due. to wind, turns and the like. 7

A still further obiect of the invention is to produce a suspension system having excellent riding qualities with the accompanying reduction of damage to cargo or the like carried in the vehicle. 1.

These and other objects of the instant development will become more readily apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description and atother advantages. At the same time theirridingqualities leave much to be desired, particularly where a vehicle equipped with these tandemunits may be traveling empty orwith a light load.

Accordingly, the instant system is among other things intended toobviate many of the aforementioned disadvantages. The beneficial results are accomplished by suspending the tandem wheels on each side of the vehicle from longitudinally extending linkage elements which are arranged in conjunction with both a longitudinally extending pneumatic bellows and a lower tank beam connected to the bellows. A suitable limiting and shock absorbing arrangement is also incorporated in the suspension system and the entire system is comprised substantially of light metal components fabricated from a light metal such as aluminum, or the like.

With these facts determined, it may be seen that an tached drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a top plan view of the suspension unit incorporating the features of the instant development;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the unit disclosed in Fig.1 when taken along the approximate center line of the unit; Fig. 3 is a' sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 44 of Fig. 2 with the pneumatic bellows expanded fully as by over-inflation or jacking of the vehicle frame;-and

Fig. 5 is a schematic view with certain parts enlarged of a compensating assembly which may be used inconjunction with the air spring bellows and suspension system disclosed in Figs. 1 thru 4 above. j

It will be appreciated, of course, that the instant suspension system may be readily used with vehicles now in existence as well as vehicles incorporating novel construction techinques and light metal components.

Considering for a moment Fig. 2, it may be seen that the suspension bellows 1 is interposed between-the vehicle .framei and alongitudinally extending bogie beam- 3.

parallel to the vehicle frame member 2 and carriesatv its longitudinal extremities spaced parallel-axless and-5i.

A suitable shock absorber or dampening unite is interco'nnected to both bogie beam 3 and the frame}. ina manner to be described. As thus described the unit can be said to be a substantially conventional arrangement utilizing an air cushion or bellows instead of the usual leaf or coil spring. The departure from such prior arrangements will, however, become readily apparent.

In view of the fact that the arrangement is symmetrical, i.e., identical on each side of the center line of the vehicle it is believed that a detailed description. of one side thereof will sufiice as a description of the entire unit, since any transverse interconnection will be so indicated.

7 thu'shing members' 18;

' "Accordingly, it may be seen that the inflatable gen-j erally longitudinally. elongated bellows 1.wou1d be provided with an upwardly facing generally channel shaped saddle member 8 and a downwardly facing lower saddle 7 memb rs! bgth of which arehorizontally disposed with the bellow elements 1' sandwiched-in between, andi'ad- Hhesively or otherwise'permanently secured thereto in a .leakproof relationship These saddles rest on the under-t Vside of'the vehicle frame member 2 and the top ofthe bogie beam 3 in such a manner that theflanges of the wa j j alcmgside the bogie beam'3 inwardly'ther'of as seen in j Figs; 1 .and 3;v ,Thus, a transverse plane passed through the vertical centerline of the two columns 7 and bogie beams 3, of which, as is understood, there are two, one on either side of the vehicle, would bisect the bogie V beams slightly rearw'ardlyof the longitudinal midpoint -saddles, 8, 8V engagethe sides tof'these elements; The

' ,air springlhello wsv may be directly 'fixed to the saddle vmembers 8, 8' in such a manner that these elements com- ;prise-ra readily removable unit, facilitating the replacef ment or servicing of the bellows in event of leakage or damage;

1 e The bogie assembly may be comprised of a bogie beam 3 having semi-circular axle receiving saddles 14. These direction. A pair of rubber bushings 18 fit'within' the .circular conto'urs of: the saddle walls and in' turn encircle parallel transverse axles 5 and 5. A cap member t saddles are disposed at both the forward and rearward 7 terminal ends of .bogie beams 3 and open in a downward closes each of the'axlersaddl'es and in general comprises Y 'a's'emi-cir'cular, diametrically flanged collar which parti-i ally; surrounds the rubber axle bushing 18 of each of the" axles 5 and 5'. Suitable fastening elements such as bolts 7 16am passedithrough the diametrically. arrangedflanges ,iof each of'the caps" and into the bogie structure which u may include mating flanges against which the flanges on V i eachjof the caps 15 may be 'drawn as the fasteners lfi are jtightened; i T

Thebogie beam Thus, as described, side frame members z ofjthe 735 7 vehicle body on'both' sides are supported on a pair of longitudinally extending bogie members with; an air bellowsdor cushions 1 disposed in sandwiched relation bee tweenjthe bogie beams 3 and the frame members 2.

of the bogie beams. Theflower end of each of the columns 7 terminates'in a "bracket assembly which will be described subsequently; 'A horizontal beam 4 extremities. r

Considering now one side of the 'vehicle, it maybe seen that secured to the upper end of column 7 is a generally cylindrically shapedtbracket 26'having one end reduced in diameter and the opposite end welded or otherwise fixed to the transverse member 25. 'A suitable gusset plate 27 is welded to the cylindrical bracket and to} the column 7 t9 support the reduced; endof bracket :26 as may be seen in Fig.1. e The bracket is. arranged such that its axis is parallel to the frame member 2 in I both horiz o ntal and vertical planes. The reduced 'end of bracket 26 is threaded in partand receives a con-V ventionalr grommet or bushing of rubber or equivalent material whieh in turn surrounded by the end of. a

hydraulic damper or shock absorber 6.

, is of the longitudinally telescopic type and each end there-' of terminates in generally eye shaped connectors 31 and p 32. Thus, connector eye 31 surrounds the bushingon cylindrical bracket 26. S uitable washer and 'nut means 7 29 are-threaded on bracket 26- and locked thereto so as t to hold the-co'nnector 31 and'the bushing in place. i Y The lower end 32Q,of ;the hydraulic damper or shock absorber 6 is connected-in a manner-similarto that-adescribed abovetoplates33 and-34 through arubber gronr met or bushing'bymeans offabolt 33, which passes be:

Thus; {the'axles- 5 and 5" may freely move vertically V beneath the vehicle and with respect to the frame mem-.

bers 2 and independently o'f'one another. iIt will be' understood that the axles 5 and-5' 'a're'in turn cushioned in the rubber bushings 18 and extend transversely across tween parallel plates 33,,and 34', Plates 33,and 34fare's'ea cured as'by welding or the like to bogie beam'3; These latter mentioned plates extend inwardly toward the center e of thegvehicle from bogie beam 3 and are, as may be seen trom'acomparison of Figs. 1, 2 and '3, disposed such that bolt 33. is parallel to, butout of vertical alignment with the cylindrical bracket 26 Thus, the damper or hydraulic shock absorber 6 ex: tendsdiagohally downwardlyand outwardly from frame 7 member Z't bogie beam 3. Itfis readily'apparent that a damper mounted on the opposite side of the frame of the vehicle would extenddownwardly and outwardly such that "the vehicle 'beueath the laterally spacedbogie beams 3.

' -"By"'rea son of'this arrangement, movement of axles 5 and 5' either separately or together in a verticalidirection is readily provided 'for.'- During these periods of axle movement bellows 1 will be compressed or expanded and l w "the" twist from one-side to the other will befabsorbedfin In yiew ofthe' above readily apparent therefore i that fadditional 'means must be providedlfor dampening V the inherent; frequency of vertical movements or rebound tendencies which would besetiup in thelair 'bellows; and

fforf stabilizing the bogie assembly both longitudinally and flaterally. In addition means must be providedfor preyenting 'theindueement of torque loads'which would 'tend 7 to lift the rear wheel' of the-bogie assembly'fiuring 7 To acconiplish" these "latter endszthere 'is p royided a veitically; disposed column assembly '7 which' 'depends v pressio'n' an'd expansion of the bellows and may bej gen- I jei'allyi'classified' 'as follows; loads carried by the vehicle and expansion and compression caused by-movementgof t 7 V the wheels over. undulating surfaces, such as, bumps;gut;

from the vehicle frame member 2. This assembl'y may i i be fixed to' both the frame memberZ as Well as to a horizontally disposed rtransversetchannel- 'mem'berj25 I which is also fixed at its terminal ends to the frame a members "land, 'of cgurse, extends? completely across 7 fihe'widthpf .the vehicle; Channel member "25 may also be said to bedisposedgerierally centrally of the suspen sion assembly;

"if The vertical'column 7 is soipositioued'thatjitpasses if the vehicle were viewed from the rear, the dampers would extend in diverging downward and outward rela- -.tion'with respect to each other. I

The damper or hydraulic shock abserbeesfis oif z the jusual telescopic type as has beenpointed out'above and: tor thisfreason it may be readilyseen thatthe distance ber tween'conne'ctors' .31,and 32 Willconstantly vary as areconnects the columns 7 together adjacent their bottom As is conventional, he damper or shockiabsorber 6 it) I fsultj ofjseveralfactors. Thes'ejfactors twill causeconr i v V A advantageous elrlbodime int, system, i

then; would include an automaticallycompensating valve V 1 syste'mwhichwouldmaintain the height of the vehiclefi floor above thej jground mconstant yal'uef ,despiteffthpf 'loaded;partiallydoadedfor unloadedpconditionseunder must be'sof'arranged as not to interfere with the hermal cushioning and impact absorbing qualities of the'jfsuspen- V sion'unit... g r

'suchisystems wouldibe provided, one for eachjbellows land that both'woul'd be operated from a' common ressrvoir R;

Such a system as maybe, used to control'the individual: 9 bellows 15 isshown in Fig. 5 wherein it will be appreciated 7 ithat while a single systemis schematically illustrated, two

i'lwhichj the vehicle" may be operated. Similarly the system f Y As may be seen from an inspection of Fig. 5, there may be provided at aconvenient location on the vehicle frame, for example in a semi trailer transport, on the tractor frame, a suitable compressed air storage reservoir R. This reservoir could well be the same reservoir as that from which the conventional air brakes are actuated or a separate reservoir if desirable, and is charged by the pump P generallydriven from the tractor engine. The reservoir R is provided with an outlet leading to two lines 72, 72' which run to each of the bellows 1 as will be described. The reservoir R is further provided with a suitable valve 86 which permits charging thereof from an external source, thus relieving pump P from extended continuous operation such as would occur were the reservoir R completely exhausted for one or more reasons.

The line 72 is in turn connected to a valve assembly 36 mounted in fixed but preferably removable relation on a suitable bracket in turn fixed to the member 25. This valve includes a valve body 70 of any desired form, preferably cylindrical and is internally bored such that the inner and cylindrical bore is opened at the bottom of the body and is closed at its top. The ports are in turn con-' nected in such a manner that port 73 communicates with reservoir R through pressure line 72, port 74 communicates with bellows 1 through line 75 and port 78 communicates with the atmosphere and thus comprises a vent as will be explained.

It is essential to note that ports 74 and 73 are located in diametrically opposite walls of valve body 70 and are slightly out of alignment vertically with port 74 being slightly closer to the top of the valve body than is port 73.

The valve body receives a cylindrical piston 71 which may move freely vertically in the body. This piston is provided with a diametric bore 7 6 which terminates at one end in a chamber 77 which is vertically elongated such that regardless of the position of the piston 71 in the valve body 79 the bore 7 6 will always be in communication with the pressurized line 72 through port 73. The other end of this diametric bore is so positioned that the bore 76 will communicate with the port 74 and thus line 75 and bellows 1 under certain conditions which affect movement of piston 71 in cylinder 70.

The piston 71 also is provided with a right angular bore 7 9, one end of which communicates with the vent port 7 8 and the other end of which terminates adjacent but spaced critically from the diametric bore 76. This end of bore 79 is also adapted to communicate with port 74, hence bellows 1 responsive to movement of the piston 71 in valve body 70 due to conditions to be described.

Thus, it may be seen that as the piston 71 moves upwardly and downwardly in the valve body 7 0 the bellows 1 will be connected to either the vent 78 or to pressure line 72. When, however, the piston is stationary and approximately vertically midway between the top and bottom of the piston, both. thevent 78 and pressure line 72 no longer communicate with the bellows 1.

The lower face of the. piston -71 is provided with an apertured ear. 82. To this ear by any suitable type of removable but lockable bolt or pin is connected the top end of the telesCOPic-rod 37. Rod 37 is insertable within a rod receptacle 85 connected at its lower endto an ear-38 fastened'to plates 33. Obviously now the operation of the valves 36 becomes apparent, since the movement between the lower bogie assembly and the vehicle frame would cause movement of. the piston-71 in the valve body 70.

Initially the entire system would be pressurized. ,Since bellows 1 would be deflated, piston 71 would be at the.

top of valve body 79. Thus, chamber 77, port 76 and the port 74-would be in communication and air would pass from reservoir ,R to the bellows 1. As the bellows inflates and thus the distance between the bottom bogie assembly andthe vehicle frame increases slowly, piston .71 moves downwardly in valve body '70 until the communication be tween ports 74 and 76 is interrupted atwhich timefthe ellows would be inflated to its normal unloaded capacity and pressure.

' of the bogie beam .7.

Thus, as loads are applied to the ehicle this valve 36 would operate as just previously described'to permit more air to enter bellows 1 to always maintain the. distance from roadway to vehicle floor constant. Because there are two valves 37 and two bellows 1, this system would automatically compensate for eccentric side to side loading of the vehicle.

Considering now removal of the load, it may be seen that the normal tendency of the floor would be to rise with respect to the ground. As this happens, piston 71 moves downwardly relative to valve body and thus vent port 78 and port 79 are in communication with bellows 1. Thus, air is released from the bellows until the piston moves a sufiicient distance to close port 74 at which time a condition of normal unloaded inflation of the bellows is once again reached.

The vertical distance between ports 79 and 76 is about twice the diameter of port 74. This permits some compression and expansion of bellows 1, such as caused by bumps or undulations in a road over which the vehicle would move, without causing actuation of the inflating and equalizing system as long as such expansion and contraction of the bellows 1 is within normal limits.

Referring briefly to the rod 37 it may be seen that this rod includes threaded telescopic parts 84 and 85 which permit the proper adjustment of piston 71 within valve body 70 for unloaded conditions of the vehicle.

Referring now to column 7, it may be seen that the lower end of the column terminates in a bracket assembly 40., This bracket assembly may be comprised of a pair of vertically disposed parallel and roughly L-shaped plates 48 and 49 provided with suitable apertures as and for the purpose to be hereinafter described. The plates .48 and 49 are parallel, not only to each other, but also to the frame member 2, and are held in spaced relation by a horizontally disposed plate 51 and a vertically disposed plate 52. Since plate 51 is located below the upper edge of parallel plate members 48 and 49, it may be seen that the upper portions of these plates along with plate 51 define a generally rectangular pocket.

This pocket in turn receives a fabricated generally rectangular foot formed on the lower end of vertical column 7 by plates 53 and 53' corresponding-in shape and position to plates 52 and 51 as noted above.

Also received in the pocket defined by plates 48 and .49 is an upwardly and forwardly extending diagonal brace 43 which is welded or otherwise fixed to the bracket assembly 40 at its lower rearward end and welded or otherwise fixed to a generally modified Z- shape d cross frame member 45 as clearly seen in Fig. 2. The column 7 and diagonal brace 43 are formed of generally box section structural shapes which is open along one side as is clear in Fig. 1. Cross member 4- is a similarly sectioned structural shape. Member 4 is welded between a pair of inwardly directed ear elements '47 secured to, column 7 asmay be clearly seen in Fig. 3.

Member 4 also extends transversely across the vehicle to a similar connection with similar brackets, columns and the like on the opposite side. Thus, therejis formed, closely adjacent and alongside of each of they inflatable air bellows and bogie beams 3 an inverted tripod struc 1 the column both above and below the normal position It is made from a fabricated ferrous alloy having exceptional resistance to frictional wear.

A similar long wearing of ferrous alloy 55 is carried by the inwardly extending bracket means 54 on bogie beam 3 and has a vertically disposed face adapted to be engaged by the rub member 55'.

In all normal conditions then it may be seen that This member little. or-noilateral movement occur between the hoi 'elbeamBJand column 7. .i Such movement as might iocciirbetween'lthe vehicle frame 2 a'ndthe bogie as; sembly can'be' readil dampened by, the diagonally dis- 7 posedfhydraulicfdamperfi. Thejrub membersSS and 551 are their spaced apart a fraction of an inch such 7 that ho contact between these members occurs when the assemblyvis ina normal position of're'st. 1'{ Under? certain conditions, 7 however, the dampers 6 winner be effective to prevent ,side sway or lateral movementof the .vehicle lsembly. ,Th'e'n. as is believed'apparent the lateral move ment'will be limited by reason'of the face to face'contact lof rthe highlyflfriction' resistant ferrous alloy plate 55 Having considered now the arrangement whereby lateral stability of the vehicle is new be directed 'to 'themannenin which longitudinal stability and torque reaction is reflected; it rAs' maybe 'seenfin Fig. 2 each of the tandem axles I5 and 5' isprovided with a vertically dependingbracket 19 or the like fixed tQihQ axle. In addition, the trailing axle 5 is provided with a vertically disposed upwardly extending. bracket 21 which is welded or otherwise fixed to the axle. rThebrackets are provided'with apertures 'at or adjacent theirterminal ends. "Disposed between; the lower brackets 19 and bracket assembly40 on vertically'depending column 7 is a pair of longitudinally extending f vertically swingable control ,arrnsJ-Z and, 23. These are connected by bolts or equivfalentfasteners to thel axle, carried brackets l9 and .termi} "Each of these arms 22 and 23 'is "nal assembly 4!).

r vertically swingable independently of the other;

' ijf The' bracketorleverll which projects upwardly from trailing axle 5'- jis connected or linked to the transverse i i frame i'member 25 by s an upper ,torque or eomrola The leading 'end' of thisiarm 1's connectedttoflthe transverse name member 25 by nieans of thef earwardly projecting cats 60 and r61'securedgtov the frame'member j. I

e t ingsfth'at;. the, distance-between column Taud axle 5" i is slightlytles's' than the distance between column {I and 'axle' 5; r and further,

' thejfac'tthatirubber bushings ream ax jedn ec e heS b h wi a s wist during .arcuatezmd emen of f' e b m ,3 even th u h lasiiigle Q I5mHY 1 163 6 i ja vertical direction only;

sual vehicle a i t tlebvi V that these co axle and its mou nting'it.may beseentrgl arms serve; r as 7 transition members e rryi rtalehetet ere ie throu h t er e u v; rk further advantageous esult 1 obtained from the dei111. bracke actuation is thrown on the'axles the entire tandem effected, attention will 7.

24f throughrithel medium of bolts" orequivalent, fasteners;

V that each oftheicontrol' arms is of "generally; box shaped, cross-sectional configuration as is I I that movement within" s'uitable',limi ts ofgb gie beamais obtained by reason of Y '18 are int po ed at ,ii aforesaid torque jar'mia'rrangenierit serveSIa dual" 7 amaic ltwill beiapprciated thatilongit'udinalmovej inerit: 'offbo gie. beam 3 and iitsrelateld parts is precluded r jb these rma simea suchltendencygwill beeiiE'ectivrely;

edgbyfthe arms 1 2,.43; ime 24., na since the es whenacmatea set :up a torque, which a 1 ibed aseme z tha i e rhdplef t tr i ea e and, these wheels tendito hop vertically, while at; the same tiona'nd'chatt er'knowni'as wheelhopiw a However, in ,thetinstantsuspension 'systemtthe torque arms resist the nose diving tendency of the-tandem i; thus} maintaining the Qvertical force component on ieach time therear'brakes tend to lock eausin a r pid in s- ,15

' axle equal regardless er the brake reactions. Hence, the

frame with respect to the bogie as-,

p r, It'will be'seen that due to-the vertical freedom-"per mitted between the bogie'bearn 3 along with its associated tendency of the rear wheel to chatter and hop is clim-' inated,

From theJdeScr-ibed arrangement then it may be seen. f that the tandem assembly -is stabilized both longitudinale ly and laterally beneath, the vehicle since, the tandem axles are arranged inrthe same manner on' both sides ofrthe vehicle and act as a uuit because of the transverse tie in as effected by axles 5 and 5;

parts and the' 'f r'amemember 2, some means must be pa vided whereby thelowermost position whichmay be asv sumed by the bogie assembly is limited. The limiting means must be such that it is ineffective to prevent 'vei tical movement of bogie assembly 3 with'respect' to'vehicle'frame 2 during allnormal' foreseeable operations of the vehicle. However, it may be necessary at times t I to raise the vehicle body by the application'of aiack directly to the frame, as a consequence of which; if un restrained, the bogie assembly would drop down in such' 7 a manner as to'damage or distort the air bellows '1. Thementionedlimiting arrangement may be clearly se engin Fig. 4 in limitingposition comprised of a bracket r or ear 64 which projects ,outwardlyrfrom franie'member l 2 and is provided withla horizontally; disposedportion'."

t 'A suitable aperturewould be provided through thelhori;

Itwillrbe appreciated ,aam an inspection of the drawv 1 a 'nuti 68 of sueh ajs ize as tonotfpassthrough theeopen mgieither inthe' -wa'sher? o'r-thefbushing 6 7 and 68 tends to'fnose divef i 'Ifhat js, the entire unittends to v pivot aboutjhe tire-road contact point i ie emeuoaqpn aa m aa ae h e t et- Asa-resulglthe v I H 7 3 15 related with the length of the hydraulic damper limiting load 7 on axle .5 wquldfdeerease,

Thusjordina ily t safe i i "in the bracket 64. A vertically extending limitingrod 6 I may be seen in- Fig 3, a the" 'sizeof the bu shing respect to thefyehicle name the rod-65 will mer I with rrspect' toitl'ie lower bracketi 66.- Howevenishould, the vehiclelby accident {orpotlierwise end :upj insuch a positignffthat ioverextensiou of air-bellows results, the? eels carried on axle' S'gisgelirninatedp In explaining I I i r a -'advan se;i lw l.b Obs ved t as theetqrque r brac et '66 1die nt e lli ifi'l ifh' 1o zontal portionv of the bracket or earr64. A: similar brack V V at or car 66 having a similar; horizontal portion is pro- T vided'on fthe bogie beam 3' and extends outwardlyairi the samdirection as that of bracket 64, which isoutwardly; V

of the vehicle as viewedlin'l ig'j; 3 7 A; suitable: aperture is also provided in the bracketo ear- 615i Q ZI'hisape is also in vertical alignment with the aperturelprovl i s tl eu h the cke at 64 al more the bracket or ear 66.; The diameter ofthisrod issubestantially;srnaller than that lot the apertures providedin the respectiveears 64 'and 66 such that therod isgslid- :ablein the apertures and also rmay berooked' therein to i t a certain extent; 1 f t f i Q t J The top' of the limiting'rod 65 is'provid'ed' withar'i en T larged head on nut: 65. whichwill not pass throughthe' aperture. in the rear =or bracket member 64; Thej lower end of the limiting'rod 65 is provided,with a bushing-'67 which'jis preferably made of a resilient materiahsuch asi- V rub berg ZBushing: 67 surroundsithe endof-tliez'rodi'pro- 5 jecti'ng through the aperture proyidedinthe ear 66. v bushing v6lis heldji'n' pl'ace by a wa'sher 68 backed r t -1* .that-it'prevents passag'e of 'the end o f the'ro S the aperture providedin'the"ea r orlbiacke't 66 m tsof ordinary range of'the bogie'assembl with 7 e lowermost movement; of the bogiei'assembly anab gi 'bean1 wouldbe limited by reason; of fth I the shock, of, contact this inturn would mo ment betweenfjramefmeinb 2 a h0g1 It is to jamm that the lengthaf itne ma i s gar,-

V 9. means 37 in such a manner that both reach the limits of their extension at approximately the same time.

In those instances where itis desirable to raise the vehicle body by the application of a jack to the frame the 'jack may be applied to the bottom of bracket 64. If no means such as these bracket elements were provided in such cases the bogie assembly since'it is relatively unstrained, would ordinarily" drop :down in such a manner as to damage or distort the bellows. The various brackets and rods in turn operate to restrict movement between the frame 2 and bogie beam 3 within safe during jacking.

Referring briefly to the pneumatic bellows or air spring it may be observed that means, such as a valve or the like, are provided in a suitable accessible place whereby the pneumatic pressure may be varied at will to accommodate the loading conditions of the vehicle, or if desired, an automatic system may be provided which is sensitive to the conditions in each bellows to regulate the pressure therein.

The entire unit is also readily adaptable to fabrication from light metal components and represents, as such, a substantial reduction in weight over either a conventional leaf spring tandem or the relatively 'newer air spring suspension systems now being offered to the trade.

While certain specific details have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that the spirit and scope of the invention is limited only to the extent as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An axle suspension assembly for vehicles including spaced frame members comprising the combination of elongated and longitudinally extending pneumatic bellow means, bogie beams extending beneath said bellow means, said bellowmeans also being interposed between said frame members and said bogie beams, axles carried in tandem relation by said bogie beams, wheels carried by said axles, stabilizing means for said bogie beams and said axles beneath said frame members, said stabilizing means including common linkage elements for resisting members, said support means including columns and longitudinally extending diagonal braces disposcdto one said bellows also being interposed between said frame members and said bogie'b'eams, axles carried by said bogie means in tandem relation, wheels rotatably mounted on the ends of said axles, means for stabilizing said bogie beams and said axles beneath said (frame members, said stabilizing means comprising vertically disposed support means carried ;by,and rigidly fixed to said frame side of and closely adjacent the respective bogie beams on either side of said vehicle' frame members, linkage means conneotedgto saidsupport means and to said axles,

v for stabilizing said bogie beams and said in longitudinally fixed relation beneath said frame members, and said linkage-means also including vertically disposed lever members. j e

5. The combination as set forth in claim 4, including means associated withsaid bogie beams for engaging a jack element during jacking of said assembly as when repairs are made thereto. I 4

6. In a tandem axle suspension assembly for vehicles including spaced frame members, the combination of a pair of elongated longitudinally extending pneumatic bel- U lows, bogiebearns extending .beneath said bellows, said bellows also being interposed between said framemem bers and said bc gie'ibeams, axles carried by said bogie means in tandem relation, wheels rotatably mounted on the ends of said axles, means for stabilizing said bogie beams and said axles .beneath said frame members, said means comprising vertically fixed support means carried by said frame members,-said support means-forming a rigid tripod structure and including rigidly interconnected columns and longitudinally extending diagonal braces disposed to one side ofand closely adjacent the respective bogie beams on either side of said vehicle frame members, linkage means connected to said support means and to said axles, for stabilizing said bogie beams and said axles in longitudinally fixed relation beneath said frame members including means for automatically comboth longitudinal movement .and torque reactions in said bogie beams during braking of said Wheels, certain of said linkage elements comprising vertically disposed levers, column means including a diagonally disposed brace forming a tripod structure connected to said linkage elements, said column means also being rigidly fixed to said frame members and acting to connect said linkage elements to said frame members, and hydraulic damperunits for resisting lateral movement of said bogie beams relative to said framemembers.

2. In a tandem-axle suspension assembly for vehicles including a frame member, a bogie beam, bellow means interposed between said .frame member and said bogie beam, axles carried by said bogie beam in tandem relation, wheels carried by said axles, the improvement comprising means for stabilizing said bogie. beam and said axles beneath said frame member, said stabilizing means including common linkage elements for resisting longitudinal movement and torque reactions in said bogie beam during braking of said wheels, certain of said linkumn means including a diagonal brace forming a forwardly disposed tripod structure connected to said linkage elements and rigidly fixedto said frame member, said column means also serving to connect saidlinkage elements to said frame member, and means including a hydraulic damper unit for resisting lateral movement of said bogie beam relative to said frame member.

3. In a tandem axle suspension assembly for vehicles as described in claim 2, means for automatically ,compensating for vehicular loads imposed on said tandem.

4..In a tandem axle suspension assembly for vehicles including spaced'frame members, the combination of a pair of elongated longitudinally extending pneumatic bellows, bogie beams extending beneath said bellows,

pensating the degree of expansion of said bellows in accordance the load imposed thereon, said linkagemeans also including vertically disposed lever members.

7. A tandem axle suspension assembly for vehicles of the type described comprising the combination of a horizontally disposed frame member, a pneumatic bellows, a bogie beam extending beneath said frame member and said bellows, said bellows also being interposed between said frame member and said bogie beam to permit normal vertical movement of said bogie beam relative to said frame member, axles carried by said bogie beam in tandem relation, wheels rotatably mounted on said axles,

means for stabilizing said bogie beani'nd said axles beneath said frame member, said stabilizing means comprising column means including a diagonal brace form ing a tripod structure rigidly fixed to said frame member, common linkage elements connected to said column means and extending in" swingable relation between said axles and said frame member for resisting longitudinal movement of said bogie beam and thetorque reaction during braking of said wheels,' said stabilizing means furtherincludinga damper element for resisting lateral movement of said bogie beam relative to said-frame member, and certain of said linkage elements including vertically disposed levers. I I

8. The combination as set forth in claim 7, including means associated with said bogie beams for engaging a jack element during jacking of said assembly as when repairs are made "thereto. I

9. In a tandem axle suspension assembly for vehicles including spaced frame members, the combination of bogie beams extending beneath the'said frame members, a pair of elongated longitudinally disposed pneumatic bellows interposed betweenand secured to said frame members and said bogie beams, means connecting a plurality of tandem axles to the opposite ends of said bogie beams,

a ess;

' connecting means inclu'dingflexible bushings l-inter-. 'p'os'ed between the r aides and saidi'bogie' beams, linkage means including verticallyflis posed levers t interposed be tween and connecting'the'j axles ,v v'ithjthesaid, frame members, said linkage means jacting'v to ;pre \ientlongitudintal movement of said lbog'iefh eams "relative' 'to' said frame 'm'embersfsaid linkage nieans 'ifurther acting to resist 'torgue reactions imposed linr'said bog'ielbeams' during'lthe braking 6f i ing'lateral movementof sax Qbogie wheel's, secured io said airl'es, .means for resistf p I I beams; andrsaid 'linlc agejmezins'further' comprising column means: including a diagonal bracefforming a rigid,tripodstructureportions of which are rigidlyksecuredi lt'osaidftframelmembers.

g "'10. The combinationasrstfforth in claim 9, including 7 7 means-associate dvfi h irhe bogie'beamsgforzengaging a. jack elemen during "jacking of said assembly as when repairs are-tmade thereto a 1'15 Instandem ,axle. suspension} assembly for vehicles having: spacedlfrarnelrnemhersgbogie' beams extending beneath saidframelmenibers and in longitudinal Jalign vehicle frame a tandem bogielbeam disposed beneath each of said bellows .inlongitudinal.alignmentltherewith,"

axles carried "invparallhtransverse relationlwith respect to, and'lat the forward and rearward ends. of said beams, means including, resilient Cbushings fixing said axles o said"beams, .for lin'iited relative movement with. respect thereto, diagonally :di'sposed'hydraulic dampersconn ted 7 between said whidefframe and said b'ogie 'bea m 7 t age 'meansswingably, connected to each of said aiile f vertical columns said. vehicle ffr' ame, means including the vehicle "for connecting said linkage means to irame wearrresistant means carried onfsaidTcfldmns; similar "means carried'by sai'cl bogie beams, fsaid wear; freslstant' means 'acti'ngwhen in slidablyicontactingrelation to stabilize .said'assembly laterally ofjsaidfr'a'm and s'aid and Said; beams 'longitudinally at the v -me s time; V

vent vertical movement ofjthe're'armostfsaid aXles-tltiri ing braking of the vehic'le'and saidlinkagemeansc V ment-lhrewithQa,pair of elongated"longitudinally ex- 7 {tending pneumatic bellows interposed :between and con; 1nectedetof,saidiframe members and said bogie beams,

V T aides'carried hyijsaid bogie beamsinjtandem relation, and wheels rotatablyijournaled on theends ofsaid axles,',fthe

improvement comprising means {for stabilizing saidv-bogie V beams andsaidaxlesbeneath. saidframasaid means com- I prising fa plnralityiof, longitudinally extending links and vertically disposedlevers connected to saidi-axl'es vertical-tripod type supports ;dependi n g from and -rigidly sei cnredrto and said framewrnernbers, :means interconnectrm 15am and said vertical supports, :said'link s acting to resist longitudinal rnovement :as well I as torque reaction wear resistarit' surfaces positioned on said -bogie Pbeams and adapted toengage'said first mentioned l-sur faces to prevent lateral movement of said tandem suspension assembly relative to said frame, and diagonally diverging hydraulic damper means interposed between and connected to said frame members and :said 'bogie beamsysaid damper means also actingin conjunction with said wear resistant surfaces to ,prevent lateral movement of said tandem-suspension assembly relative to said frame members. a

12. A pneumatic suspension assembly for tandem gated bellows disposed in parallel relation-beneath the vehicle frame, :agtandern', bogie beam disposed beneaflrr eachiofsaid bellows and in longitudinal alignment"there-v I with, axles carried in parallel transyerse relation with respect toiand at theforwardu-and rearward ends of said b eams, means'including resilient bushings fixing said axles I to said beams for limited .relativevmovement with respect thereto, diagonally disposed hydraulic -dampersjconnected between said vehicle frame and said bogie beams, linkage means including gyertically,edisPQScd levers swinga'oly connected tor each of said axles andj said vehicle frame,

'tripod suppofrt" means including vertical 'columns "and' digagonally disposed longitudinally extending br'aces rigidly fixedito said frame and to each ;other" laterally 'of the vehicle for connecting said linkag'ejme'ans "to said, frame,

7 wear resistant means carried on 'saidcolumns, similar V means carri'ed'by' said bogiebeams; said weart resistant means acting when in sli'dablycontacting relation to sta linkage means -and tripod support means acting to stabilizesaidairles said wheels andsaid beams longitudinally of the vehicle and "to prevent vehicle movement of the rearmost of said axles during braking of-the vehicle.

-13. A pneumatic suspension :assembly for tandem wheeled assemblies comprising .a frame, a pair of elongatedbellows disposed in parallelrelationbeneath the linkage means acting to stabilize said-aides; 's "wheels prising a single pair of parallel li ks connected-ftp thelowermost portion of said vertical columns andrtb' the foremost axle of said parallel tandem "axlesfand vertically spaced pairs ofrparallel links connected to *safd ftrailing axle of saidpairof arE1es,-the lowermostpair eifliliksfin said last-mentioned pair of linkslieing-connectedftofsaid columnsand the uppermostpair of'links bein'g connected eaasimdnc a insaid'bogie beamsd ng braking of said ,wheels, said verticalrsupports further including diagonally V disposednbraces and wear resistant surfaces, cooperating wheeled assemblies comprising :a frame, a pair of elonto said frame; r V

- 14. A -pneumatic*suspension assembly'ffoi' ea wheeled assemblies comprising a' frame, a'pai'r df'elon gated bellows disposed in parallel '-relation bejneath'thc vehicle frame, a tandem bogie b eam fldisposedl beneath each- "of"said-bellows in a"longitudinal*alignment'therewith';

axles carried in paralleltransverse relation with-respect V tothe'forward and rearward ends of' said beams, means includingresilient'bushings fixing said axles'to-sai'dbjeams for limited relative movement with respect "theretorfdiag onally disposed "hydraulic dampers connected between braking of the vehicle andlsaidlinkage means comprising a single pair of parallel links 'connectc'd'to the lowermost portion of said vertical "columns and to the foremost iaitle of said parallel tandem 'axlesandvertically'spacefl pa s;

of parallel links co'nnect'ed to said trailing axle offs d pair 'of 'axlesjthe lowermost pair of links in said last- 7 me ntionedipair of linksibeing connected to said columns,

' cOlumns whereby said links may pivot verti'cally fie V upjonthe movement of said ]aXles withr'espfectfto s d" i bilize said assembly laterally of'fsaid-fr'ame, and said I theuppe'rm'ost pairroflin'ks beingconnectedto' '5 frame? I i saidlinks including anti-friction bushing 'm'ea' fs fin erpbsel atf'th'eiri connectionsto said axle, to said fr'am'e and to V frame and "to the said columns.

v 7 V Refer ence s'Cited in.'the file o f tliis fpatent a I UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 4,096,530 Alden 'oct. '19, 1 9317 2 ,705,152: Walter' Mar.'2 9, 1955 2,742,301 Pointer Apr. 5:17,; 1956 I -2,750,200 'Scheel June 12, "I956 2,756,'048' Pfeifier July 24, 19 55 2,771,303 Frazier Nov. 20,-19'56 Brumbaugh Tan; 28, T938 6 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No, 2 943 864 July 5 1960 Donald L, Richter It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 6 line 71 for "wearing of" read wearing element of -5 column 7 line '10 for "'bracke? read brake -a Signed and sealed this 29th day of November 1960 (SEAL) Attest:

KARL H AXLINE ROBERT C. WATSUN Attesting Oflicer Commissioner of Patente 

